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Decoding the Louis Vuitton Date Code on your bag
Nov
Introduction of the Louis Vuitton Date Code
Decoding the Louis Vuitton Date Code on your bag might be hard, but we will guide you through. Owning a Louis Vuitton bag is a symbol of luxury and style and adds a little glam to every outfit. These iconic bags are not only fashion statements but also valuable investments. You can buy your Louis Vuitton bag new in store, or you can find a secondhand Louis Vuitton bag at places like Vintasje; but no matter where your bag is from, it’s likely that you will find a date code inside your bag. One way to understand the history of your Louis Vuitton bag is by deciphering its date code. In this blog we’ll guide you through how to read and interpret the date code on your Louis Vuitton bag. We do have to mention that real Louis Vuitton bags do not always have a date code. Louis Vuitton introduced the date code in the early 1980’s, so you might have a real vintage piece without a date code. In the new bags they use chips instead of the date code. So, a date code does not represent the authenticity of a bag.
Locating the date code
To begin, you need to locate the date code on your Louis Vuitton bag. The date code is typically stamped or embossed on a leather tab or directly on the interior lining. Depending on the bag’s style and model, the location of the date code can vary. Common locations include:
- Inside a pocket: check any interior pockets or compartments for a small leather tag with the date code.
- Near the zipper: on some bags, you may find the date code near the zipper, often on the inside edge.
- Inside the bag: in certain Louis Vuitton models, the date code may be on a small leather tag attached to the lining inside the bag.
Deciphering the Date Code
Louis Vuitton date codes consist of a combination of letters and numbers, typically arranged in a specific format. While the code may appear cryptic at first, it holds valuable information:
- The first two letters represent the location of the Louis Vuitton factory where the bag was made. For example, “SD” might indicate that the bag was made in the USA.
- The following four digits denote the manufacturing date. From 1990 the first and third numbers represent the week or month, while the second and fourth represent the year. For instance, “0013” would signify that the bag was made in the first month January (01) of 2003 (03).
- Some older Louis Vuitton, from 1982 to mid 1980, bags may feature a different format, where only three numbers where used; the first two number show the year, and the other 1-2 numbers show the month.
Note that not all Louis Vuitton bags have date codes, especially older or vintage models. In such cases, authentication might rely on other factors, such as craftsmanship, hardware, and stitching.
Conclusion
Deciphering the date code on your Louis Vuitton bag is an essential skill for collectors and enthusiasts. These codes provide valuable insights into the bag’s origin and date, allowing you to appreciate the rich history and craftsmanship behind each Louis Vuitton creation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently read and interpret the date code on your bag, further enhancing your appreciation for this iconic luxury brand. Do you need help with Decoding the Louis Vuitton Date Code on your bag? Send us a message on Instagram to help you out! In the mood for shopping a (vintage) preloved LV piece? Check out our shop!
Overview of the country codes:
France: A0, A1, A2, AA, AAS (Special Order), AH, AN, AR, AS, BA, BE, BJ, BU, DR, DU, CO, CT, ET, FL, LM (2019 onwards), LA (2019 onwards) LW, MB, MI, NO, RA, RI, SA, SD, SF, SL, SN, SP, SR, TJ, TH, TR, TS, TY, VI, VX
Germany: LP
Italy: BC, BO, CE, FO, MA, PL, RC, RE, SA, TB, TD, NZ
Spain: BC (2015 onwards), CA, JJ (mostly straps), LO, LB, LM, LW, GI, UB
Switzerland: DI, FA
USA: FC, FH, LA, OS, SD, TX, FL
